Ep 6. Cuban Crisis

During the height of the Cold War, tensions between the United States and Cuba reached a breaking point, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis. This episode of HELL BELOW examines the undersea technology used in the conflict and the dramatic events that unfolded as a result.

The episode begins by exploring the strategic importance of Cuba in the Cold War, particularly as a Soviet ally located only 90 miles from the United States. The Cuban government, led by Fidel Castro, allowed the Soviet Union to install nuclear missiles on the island, sparking a crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

The episode then shifts its focus to the role of submarines in the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviet Union had sent several submarines to the waters surrounding Cuba, in order to provide additional protection for the fleet carrying the missiles. These submarines faced significant challenges as they navigated through American defenses, including being hunted by US planes and ships.

One of the submarines featured in the episode is the B-59, which was part of a flotilla sent to Cuba by the Soviet Union. The B-59's captain, Valentin Savitsky, received an order to fire a nuclear torpedo at an American ship, but he and his crew were hesitant to do so. They were unaware that the US had already discovered their position and was dropping depth charges to force them to the surface.

As the situation on the B-59 became more tense, the crew began to argue over whether or not to fire the torpedo. Savitsky felt that they were being targeted and that war had already begun. However, the political officer on board, Vasily Arkhipov, disagreed and convinced Savitsky not to fire, which prevented a nuclear catastrophe.

Meanwhile, the US also faced significant challenges as they tried to locate the Soviet submarines. The Navy had developed a "sound surveillance system" (SOSUS) that was able to detect the submarines' movements, but it was not foolproof. One of the challenges was distinguishing the submarines from other underwater noise, such as the sounds made by marine life.

Ultimately, the US was able to locate and track the Soviet submarines, although the situation remained tense. At one point, a Soviet submarine was forced to surface after running out of air. The Americans provided assistance and supplies before allowing the submarine to continue on its journey.

As the episode comes to a close, it reflects on the lessons learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis and its impact on the world. Both the US and the Soviet Union recognized the need to limit nuclear weapons and improve communication, leading to the creation of the "hotline" connecting the two countries. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a dramatic and dangerous chapter in the Cold War, but it also served as a wake-up call for both sides, emphasizing the need for cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Overall, this episode of HELL BELOW provides a fascinating look at the technology and tactics involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Through interviews with experts and dramatic reenactments, viewers gain a better understanding of this pivotal moment in history and the important role played by submarines in the conflict.